Numerous teaching approaches emphasize the importance of motivation in learning. Motivation plays a crucial role in foreign language learning and it depends on the students themselves, teachers, peers, the environment, as well as extracurricular activities. Students are increasingly exposed to English outside of school, which can be referred to as extramural English. It includes any contact with English outside of the school context where learning the language is not necessarily the primary goal. Students may be exposed to English while reading, watching movies, listening to music, playing video games … Research has shown that extramural English positively affects listening and reading comprehension, as well as vocabulary knowledge, recognition and understanding. Vocabulary learning is also supported by the use of strategies for learning vocabulary such as using a dictionary or writing down words. In the empirical part of this thesis, we conducted a quantitative study to examine students’ motivation for learning English in and outside of school, the frequency, type and duration of their extramural English exposure, and how it impacts their vocabulary knowledge. We used a questionnaire and a vocabulary test, and the sample included 350 sixth-grade students attending Slovenian primary schools during the 2024/25 school year. The results showed that most sixth-grade students are regularly exposed to English outside of school, mainly through listening to music, playing video games, and watching films. A positive correlation was found between motivation for learning English at school English and motivation for extramural English. Students with more frequent and diverse extramural English exposure achieved better vocabulary test results and had higher average grades in English in the 5th grade. The most used vocabulary learning strategy was inferring from context. Students with less frequent and diverse extramural English exposure more commonly use the strategy of writing down words, which was found to be a less effective strategy. In conclusion, extramural English significantly contributes to vocabulary learning and student motivation. Therefore, English teachers should recognise and incorporate elements of extramural English into classroom practice.
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